In the three years since I’ve started Manhattan Digest, I have had the ability to review close to 100 phenomenal restaurants in the New York City area. Since that time, my waist size has expanded, clothes don’t fit me as well anymore, I might need to go to the doctor sooner than later, but it was all worth it for the amazing cuisines that I have experienced on this incredible ride. [Read more…] about The Top 10 NYC Restaurant’s I’ve Been to for Manhattan Digest
waldorf astoria
Great Mother’s Day Ideas Around New York City
Even though we celebrate mom’s all year round for the awesome effort they put into every single day, there is that one particular day that we celebrate them more than any other. This of course is Mother’s Day, which is rapidly approaching on May 8th. In the spirit of Mother’s Day and any other holiday, Manhattan Digest has found some super awesome places to take that special woman in your life, whether it is your amazing mother, fantastic wife, awesome sister, or even a great friend, these places will not disappoint. Take a look.
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Tasty Cocktail Recipes from New York City and Beyond
We are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in cocktails both in and out of New York City! Lucky for all of our readers, we have found some pretty delicious cocktail recipes from iconic locations like the Waldorf Astoria, Foragers Market and many more across our country! We even have a bonus recipe from Blue Ice Vodka to savor and enjoy. Take a look at what we think is the best of the best in recipes and be sure to make some for yourself this coming weekend! [Read more…] about Tasty Cocktail Recipes from New York City and Beyond
Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse- Why You Should Dine Here
With New York City’s ever changing presence in so many different facets, it is good that there is still a bunch of classic type locations that people can go to and really get the sense that they are in the heart of this city. One of these locations happens to be Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse, which is located inside the iconic Waldorf Astoria on Lexington Avenue between 49th and 50th street. With its sleek and classic design, out of this world food and beverages, and overall feel, this is a classic place in a modern world that you should stop by the next time you are getting out of Grand Central Station. [Read more…] about Bull & Bear Prime Steakhouse- Why You Should Dine Here
Where to Eat for Easter in New York City- The Best Of
Easter is quickly approaching here in New York City and around the world, happening on Sunday, March 27th. There are so many different options in terms of how to celebrate, what to eat and where to go. We here at Manhattan Digest want to help you choose a little better by giving you some fantastic options from some of the top places to eat at in NYC. From Del Frisco’s to The Kitano Hotel, here are some super awesome choices to celebrate the big day. Bon Appetit! [Read more…] about Where to Eat for Easter in New York City- The Best Of
Iconic New York City Locations Used in Box Office Blockbusters
The 88th Academy Awards are a mere ten days away, with host Chris Rock sure to bring the laughs and fun throughout the night. Movies and television alike have a great tradition of using New York City as the backdrop to whatever story they are telling (Hello, Sex And The City), and in that backdrop you will find some iconic locations that helped mold the story that turned these movies into the blockbusters that they are known today. So which locations made the cut? You probably know many of them already. From iconic restaurants to hotels, these are the ones that made their debuts on the silver screen.
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Great Specials For The Chinese New Year in NYC!
For many of us that live in New York and around the world, we generally celebrate the New Year on December 31st for New Year’s Eve and January 1st of course. Something that is just as big in certain parts of the world is The Chinese New Year, which starts the week of February 8th. Some facts about this year’s Chinese New Year- the zodiac symbol for 2016 happens to be the red monkey, and this is 4,713th Chinese year as well. On top of all of this, some great local NYC hotspots are planning some pretty big things for the celebration and they want you to be involved. So let’s see what these great places have to offer to ring in the new year!
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Midtown’s Top Hotels Grand Gesture To Our Homeless This Friday
With all the craziness that is going on in the upcoming days, many of us forget how fortunate we are that we get to enjoy days like Thanksgiving in the comfort of our own home while there are several that don’t have that luxury. Fortunately for the homeless people in New York City, there is this amazing initiative that is taking place this coming Friday where they can feel that luxury and be apart of what this year is supposed to be about.
The Waldorf Astoria, New York Lotte Palace and Four Seasons New York (all competing hotels, mind you) are hosting Fare Share Friday, which is taking place at St. Bart’s Cathedral right here in New York City. On deck with Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, and partnered with Crossroads Community Services, Fare Share Friday is an annual celebration where soup kitchen regulars, volunteers and supporters of Crossroads will share a special dinner prepared by Chef David Garcelon from The Waldorf Astoria New York, Chef Jacques Sorci from Lotte New York Palace and Chef John Johnson from the Four Seasons Hotel New York.
More information from the actual site– The dinner has 2 seatings at 4pm & 7pm, and is brought together by the kindness of volunteers, including the Les Clefs D’Or spoons. All proceeds from the event go to the Crossroads Community soup kitchen, food pantry and women’s shelter and their ongoing mission to erase hunger by uniting the community.
Tickets for the dinner are priced at $100, while those in need are obviously welcomed at no cost. All proceeds benefit the Crossroads Kitchen. The hope for this every year is that it will bring people who purchased tickets and members of the Crossroads community together because “we all have a place at the table”. I personally think it is a wonderful initiative that I hope all of you can support. For more information on Fare Share Friday, click here.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Celebrate Mother’s Day At These Fab Locations
The day where the world celebrates the mother’s in their life- whether it is their own mother, wife or otherwise- is coming up this Sunday! If you want to take that special woman or women in your life out in style, look no further than Manhattan Digest to guide you on the best restaurants to go to. Ranging in locations from Manhattan to Jersey City, these places are going above and beyond to give everyone in your party, especially the mom’s out there, a really great time and something that will hopefully be quite memorable. Take a look at what these places have to offer.
Give mom an iconic NYC getaway at the Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York with limited spring rates from $359. An extra touch, the Towers staff is accustomed to fulfilling lavish requests – like covering every inch of a suite with floral arrangements, floating water lilies in the tub and even positioning flowering vines down the walls. Then, let mom indulge in luxury pampering at the 19th floor Guerlain Spa with 20% off gift cards of $300 or more, as well as an individual rose take-home gift to all moms who visit. Finish the momcation with Sunday Brunch (arguable the country’s best!) in Peacock Alley, the gem of the hotel’s lobby.
Celebrate your mom on one of New York’s most sophisticated, all-glass, European inspired boat cruise, Bateaux New York with brunch or dinner cruises. Starting at $79.90 per adult and $47.95 per child, all moms will receive a complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne as they listen to live entertainment and spend time with their loved ones as they enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline. Those looking to celebrate during a dinner cruise (starting at $132.90) will enjoy menu items such as crispy zucchini cakes, stuffed pork roulade, miso glazed cod and many more, plus a delicious dessert menu with s’mores bread pudding, New York style cheesecake and mountain berry shortcake.
Spirit of New York and Spirit of New Jersey are offering endless options for brunch and dinner, providing an experience filled with dancing, great food and entertainment. The climate-controlled interior decks have panoramic windows for breathtaking views of Manhattan, spacious dance floors and full service bars. Menu items include roast salmon & tilapia, chicken parmesan meatball, baked ziti and more. Departing from Lincoln Harbor and Chelsea Piers, brunch cruises start at 61.90 per adult and $37.95 per child while dinner cruisers start at $94.90 per person. Purchase tickets here.
Guests can treat mom to decadence this Mother’s Day at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York. Be it the mouth-watering, prime cuts of steak, the 2,000+ bottle wine program led by four female sommeliers or the off-the-menu ‘secret items’ like the Del’s Delight or Thick Cut Bacon – moms will be wowed by the food and ambiance, and even more so by the friendly service. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call 212.575.5129
New Yorkers celebrating Mother’s Day can take advantage of New York Hilton Midtown’s grab-and-go market, Herb N’ Kitchen. Located five blocks from Central Park, packing a family picnic basket and heading to the park has never been easier. This month, Herb N’ Kitchen began serving Oprah’s favorite bagel, Bantam Bagels, which was invested in on season six of Shark Tank, as well as expanded upon its robust gluten-free menu with a gluten removed pilsner, Estrella Damm. Featuring locally-sourced dishes such as Pat LaFreida Burgers and Greenwich Village-based Murray’s Cheese Plate, New York Hilton Midtown gives locals a taste of the city without the hassle of a reservation.
Battello, a waterfront restaurant in the Newport section of Jersey City, is hosting a Jazz Buffet Brunch to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day this year. Celebrity chef, Ryan DePersio, invites guests to enjoy carving and buffet stations, a raw bar, a dessert and a choice of a Bloody Mary or Mimosa as well as a coffee or tea for just $49 per adult and $20 for children. During brunch, relax and listen to two live jazz bands, with one playing in the main dining area and the other in the lounge. To make sure every mom has the perfect experience, Battello will have three seatings, one at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. For reservations please call: 201-798-1798
Fire & Oak, located in the Westin Jersey City in the Newport area of Jersey City, is honoring mothers everywhere with a celebratory Champagne Brunch on Sunday, May 10th from 11AM to 3PM. Toast mom with a complimentary glass of Champagne, or if you prefer, a Mimosa, Bellini or Bloody Mary. The special brunch menu includes dishes like Peppered Bacon Sausage and Country Style Home Fries, Bananas Foster French Toast, Hand Carved Prime NY Strip Steak and a Raw Bar featuring Shrimp, Clams and Blue Point Oysters. For reservations please call: 201-610-9610.
Corkbuzz’s Union Square location is celebrating Mother’s Day with a brunch buffet featuring an Egg Station, Cornflake Crusted French Toast, Smoked Salmon, and Grilled Cheese. A few of the restaurant’s regular brunch offerings such as the Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes (apple chutney) and Granola (nuts, yogurt, berries) will also be available. Aside from Corkbuzz’s signature Champagne Campaign of half-off bottles of all champagne, guests can enjoy a fully dressed Bloody Mary Bar.
Cost: $50
Includes: Buffet, Bloody Mary Bar
Time: noon – 3:00pm
Lemon-Butter Chicken
herbed peas and carrots
Egg Station
peppers, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, ham, bacon, sausage, duck confit
Smoked Salmon
rye roast, mustard cream
Cornflake Crusted French Toast
seasonal jam, whipped cream
Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes
apple chutney
Grilled Cheese
caramelized onion and gruyere
Spring Greens Salad
cider vinaigrette
Granola
nuts, yogurt, berries
Potato Hash, Oatmeal, Sausage, Bacon, Cheese & Charcuterie, Wheat/Brioche/White Toast
Fully Dressed Bloody Mary Bar
And, of course, #ChampagneCampaign– half off bottles of all Champagne!
Happy Mother’s Day Everyone!
Where To Go For Easter Brunch in New York City This Sunday
As if Manhattanites don’t celebrate the weekend brunch as is, they have an even bigger and better reason as it is Easter Weekend and many fab locations across the New York City area are offering some pretty great incentives to get you to dine and dish with your friends and family. The Waldorf Astoria, Corkbuzz in Union Square, Bateaux New York, and Spirit Cruises all have great amenities lined up for you to experience, enjoy and leave with a smile on your face. Having been to some of these before (Waldorf in particular) I know that each will provide a great time to have for all. Check out to see what each is bringing to the table and then some.
Waldorf Astoria Sunday Brunch
Known for the country’s top Sunday brunch, the Waldorf Astoria New York will offer a special Easter brunch on April 5th. Laid out in Peacock Alley, the renowned lobby restaurant, special Easter additions include citrus smoked salmon, smoked sturgeon, lobster & asparagus salad. Additional gourmet options incude cold dishes such as caviar and a seafood bar (crab, oysters, and more!), as well as hot dishes like made-to-order Eggs Benedict (originated at the hotel!) and numerous carving stations. The array of specialty desserts includes favorites such as Red Velvet Cupcakes (another hotel original!) and Baked Alaska. Brunch cocktails (including the Bloody Bunny, a carrot take on the Bloody Mary) are also available. $98 per person
The location is celebrating Easter Sunday with a brunch buffet featuring an egg station, French toast, ham carving, granola, and an assortment of meats and cheeses. Signature brunch favorites including the Grilled Cheese (mahon, saffron-apricot chutney) and Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes (apple chutney) will also be available to guests. Additionally, the champagne will be flowing with Corkbuzz’s Champagne Campaign – meaning half-off bottles of all champagne!
This Easter, families celebrating Easter can choose a Champagne Brunch Cruise or Easter Dinner in the all-glass dining vessel, Bateaux New York. Inspired by European river boats, guests who choose brunch will enjoy Quiche Du Jour, Roasted Banana French Toast and Amish Roast Chicken, while guests who prefer the dinner cruise will feast on Stuffed Pork Roulade, Braised Short Rib and Roast Wagyu Strip Loin. Starting at $69.90 per adult and $41.95 per child, guests will also enjoy live entertainment, attentive service and stunning NYC skyline views. In addition, those using the promotion code Easter20 can save 20%. To book, call 866-817-2463 or use the website here.
Spirit Cruises – New York Metro
Departing from Chelsea Piers, NY and Lincoln Harbor NJ, Kids can hop on Spirit of New York or Spirit of New Jersey brunch or dinner cruises for free this Easter! Cruisers will enjoy an engaging family friendly DJ, dancing and beautiful views of One World Trade, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and more. In addition, the contemporary buffet includes items like organic spinach and kale salad, roast salmon and tilapia, chicken parmesan meatballs, and kid friendly options like pizza or chicken fingers. This offer is limited to one free child per paying adult, with a maximum of two children per order and reservations must be made via phone by MARCH 22nd for this offer. To book, guests can call 866-483-3866 or use the website here.
Happy Eating Everyone!